Coupling device and an apparatus for suspending any of several samples

Abstract

A coupling device comprises a non-magnetic female part (1) comprising an aperture ending in a coupling surface of the part and a magnet (7) accommodated in a recess in an offset position with respect to the coupling aperture; and a male part (3) comprising a portion with a circular section (11) made of a ferromagnetic material, the diameter of which is higher than the smallest size of the aperture, and intended to be drawn by the magnet against the coupling surface while being centered in the aperture. This device can be used in an apparatus for suspending any of several objects to a support.

We claim: 
     
       1. A coupling device, comprising: a non-magnetic female part (1) comprising an aperture ending in a coupling surface of the part and a magnet (7) accommodated in a recess in an offset position with respect to said coupling aperture; and   a male part (3) comprising a portion with a circular section (11) made of a ferromagnetic material, the diameter of which is greater than the smallest size of said aperture, and intended to be drawn by the magnet against the coupling surface while being centered in the aperture.   
     
     
       2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said portion with said circular section (11) is a spheric part and wherein said recess is cylindric. 
     
     
       3. A device according to claim 1, wherein one of said female or male parts is connected to a support (28) by means of a spring (17). 
     
     
       4. A device for suspending any of a plurality of objects (30) to a support (28), wherein said support (28) is coupled to one of said female or male parts according to claim 1, said apparatus comprising: a revolving plate (20), mobile vertically and comprising holes (25) in a circle close to its edges;   coupling elements, each corresponding to the other of said female or male parts according to claim 1, accommodated in said holes (125) and to which objects (30) are suspended; and   an abutment (26) fixed to each other part under said revolving plate (20).   
     
     
       5. An apparatus according to claim 4, comprising: means (46) for driving said plate (20) in rotation;   means (44, 48) for detecting the rotation position of said plate (20); and   means (50) for placing said plate (20) vertically between a low uncoupled position and a high coupled position.   
     
     
       6. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said support is a scale arm (28). 
     
     
       7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein samples (30) are subject to an atmosphere, the humidity of which is controlled. 
     
     
       8. An apparatus according to claim 7, comprising means (62) for heating the controlled atmosphere.